Jakarta, Jan 31 (IANS) Indonesia’s emergence in the world football consciousness continues as Italian giant Inter Milan confirmed their visit this capital city in May.
Inter, an 18-time Serie A champion, will play the Indonesia Under-23 national team May 24 and an Indonesia Selection May 26.
Triowarna Gempita, tour organiser and publisher of sports daily TopSkor, said the Italian club would bring its best available squad, including captain Javier Zanetti and Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo.
Dutch star Wesley Sneijder and Italian national team members Andrea Ranocchia, Gianpaolo Pazzini and Thiago Motta are expected to be absent as they prepare for the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
“We hope Inter’s arrival will help boost football development in the country. Our players can learn a lot from them and have the valuable experience of playing against one of the best clubs in the world,” Triowarna Gempita’s President Director Entong Nursanto was quoted as saying by Xinhua Tuesday.
He also said Inter would hold a coaching clinic and other fan activities during its brief visit.
“Interisti (Inter fans) have reached the highest numbers here with over 15,000 (registered). Our president Mr. (Massimo) Moratti promised to always give the best for Interisti around the world, including Indonesia,” Inter Managing Director Ernesto Paolillo said.
